Business

The days of not being able to easily locate a bus stop in the metro area will soon be gone as the new “T” way finding signs, first introduced along rapid transit stations, will soon be replacing the old narrow rectangular “bus stop” signs. These signs have already popped up in a few locations. North Vancouver will be the first municipality to see the old signs replaced.

The City of Vancouver’s is once again bringing its VIVA Vancouver program as residents and pedestrians reclaim the public space with myriad of projects scattered across the city. The program was a success and this year has expanded. It’s great to see it go far down south as Fraser and 44th in the often neglected South Hill neighbourhood. 

As technology makes our life easier, cities are having trouble integrating all these components without cluttering the urban fabric of a city. The V-Pole (Vancouver Pole) is a wireless data, electrical vehicle charging, neighbourhood bulletin board post that is also an LED lamp post that could eliminate some of that clutter. The concept was unveiled today at the the New Cities Summit in Paris by Vancouver artist/writer Douglas Coupland. 

Update: We have since learned that the new Kits Bike lane will be discussed at a later date. This week they’ll be discussing the 5 East Vancouver routes.

Looks like Vancouver may be getting another bike lane as council will more than likely pass a plan for new cycling paths and lanes for Vancouver. The plan calls for a new bike lane in Kitsilano and new cycling routes in East Vancouver. Not sure if the bike lane in Kits will be completely separated from cars like the  Hornby or just a painted separation. We’ll know more once plans are released.

Buying a home is long and trying process – especially if you’re a first time buyer. With so much to do, it can be difficult preparing for the big moment. Albert Yen is an award-winning realtor that has specialized in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Vancouver East, Downtown and Richmond areas for 15 years. He offers free market updates which can be found on his website here.

There are a few things I love more then a good bike ride around Vancouver’s scenic seawall. Brodie Bikes is a locally owned bike company that make those rides happen as they offer an array of original, quality bikes to Vancouverites. Named after the artist and motorcycle fanatic Paul Brodie, Brodie Bikes really captures the essence of a local small business. Paul Brodie began by painting and brass-welding frames for mountain bikes in 1985, and the rest is history. He soon invited and trademarked the Vancouver sloping top tube, earning him induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame at Interbike in Las Vegas.